Camille Davis and Justin Garcia here, the hosts of the daily Locked On Bucks podcast, with your daily Locked On Bucks newsletter. Each day we bring you the biggest stories about the Bucks and the NBA, including the hottest links to other stories you need to read. Plus, Josh Lloyd delivers daily fantasy notes to crush your league.
Has a Strong Season from Damian Lillard Been All-Star Worthy?
Jan 14, 2025; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) reacts with guard Damian Lillard (0) after scoring a basket in the second quarter against the Sacramento Kings at Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-Imagn Images | Benny Sieu/Benny Sieu-Imagn Images
Bucks’ All-Star Hopes: Will Damian Lillard Join Giannis in the East?
As the All-Star voting period comes to a close, the Milwaukee Bucks find themselves in an interesting position. While Giannis Antetokounmpo is a lock for the All-Star game, having led the fan vote in the latest returns, the fate of Damian Lillard hangs in the balance.
Lillard’s case for an All-Star spot is compelling. He’s averaging 25 points per game, shooting 39% from three-point range, and maintaining a high assist rate. These numbers are impressive, especially considering the adjustment period with a new team. However, the competition in the Eastern Conference is fierce.
The Cleveland Cavaliers, currently holding the top seed, are likely to have multiple All-Stars. The Boston Celtics and New York Knicks are also expected to have strong representation. This leaves Lillard competing for limited spots against players like Tyrese Maxey, Jalen Brunson, and Trae Young.
The Bucks’ slow start to the season (2-8) might work against Lillard’s All-Star chances. Despite the team’s improved performance since then, the narrative surrounding that initial struggle could influence voters and coaches.
Looking at historical precedents, it’s clear that offensive prowess is crucial for championship contenders. Most title-winning teams in recent years have boasted top-10 offenses. The Bucks currently rank 12th in offensive rating, which leaves room for improvement.
There have been exceptions, like the 2021-22 Golden State Warriors who won with the 16th-ranked offense. However, these cases are rare. For the Bucks to be considered serious contenders, they’ll need to elevate their offensive game to match their strong defensive showing (currently 8th in the league).
The coming weeks will be crucial for the Bucks. Not only will they reveal Lillard’s All-Star fate, but they’ll also indicate whether the team can find the offensive consistency needed for a deep playoff run.
For more insights and a deeper dive into the Bucks’ All-Star prospects and offensive strategies, tune into the Locked On Bucks podcast for this and much more.
Other Topics in Today’s Locked On Bucks Podcast:
• Preview of the upcoming matchup against the New Orleans Pelicans
• Analysis of historical championship teams’ offensive and defensive rankings
• Discussion on the Bucks’ current offensive and defensive standings
A midseason report for seasons to come: part three
Jan 9, 2025; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) shoots against Detroit Pistons guard Cade Cunningham (2) in the second half at Little Caesars Arena. | Rick Osentoski/Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images
I’m far from being an insider (mostly I like sleep too much, and those guys never do), but there’s information you glean just from being proximal to the game. There are trends in questions and answers from coaches and players, plus recurring conversations with fellow media, team staff, scouts and agents. When alongside the pulse of NBA basketball, you pick up its reverberations.
One big, undeniable beat I’ve picked up on this season is the growing awareness that vey soon we’re going to start losing perennial stars. I say “we” and not only the league because the realization really does feel collective. Case in point, when the topic of the Warriors dynasty drawing to a slow, potentially quiet close comes up, it’s never solely in relation to the team.
The decline of Golden State is always held alongside the state of the league as a whole, either what it means for competition or in broader strokes, how the mechanics of the game itself will change without a dominant Steph Curry. And that detail is never explicitly mentioned. Even the most primetime of pundits have a reticence to predict when we’ll see the last of Curry, as if giving it consideration is a kind of jinx.
The counter to that is LeBron James, who cannot be discussed enough in relation to his retirement, but that endless guessing feels safe because James has proved prediction wrong so many times in what were meant to be his quieting seasons.
Katie Heindl is a credentialed NBA and WNBA writer, her bylines have appeared with The New York Times Magazine, SLAM, The Athletic, Yahoo Sports, Dime, Rolling Stone, among others. She writes the bestselling Substack, Basketball Feelings and is working on a book of the same name.
Home and Away
Preview The Milwaukee Bucks face the New Orleans Pelicans on January 22. Key details include the start time, TV schedule, and injury report for the matchup. (Brew Hoop)
Trade A recent poll indicates that Bucks fans are weighing in on potential trades involving Andre Jackson Jr. and AJ Green as the NBA trade deadline approaches. (Brew Hoop)
Rumor The Bucks are interested in trading for a Suns star, but only under a strict condition related to the player’s availability. (Behind the Buck Pass)
Analysis As the NBA season hits its midpoint, an in-depth analysis of the Bucks’ offseason moves highlights their impact and effectiveness. (Behind the Buck Pass)
Rumor The latest buzz and rumors surrounding the NBA trade deadline feature potential moves involving the Bucks. (Bleacher Report)
Biz Jalen Green becomes the face of his longtime favorite brand, Stone Island. (High Snobriety)
Fantasy Cheat Sheet
Five NBA Players to Buy Low in Fantasy Basketball
Jan 20, 2025; San Francisco, California, USA; Boston Celtics guard Derrick White (9) stands on the court after meeting with Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) before the start of the game at the Chase Center. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-Imagn Images | Cary Edmondson/Cary Edmondson-Imagn Images
As we approach the midpoint of the NBA season, it’s time to reassess our fantasy basketball strategies. Today, I’m sharing insights on five players who are prime candidates for “buy low” opportunities in your leagues.
Paolo Banchero tops our list. The Orlando Magic forward is currently the 79th ranked player, well below his potential. His shooting percentages are down, and he’s only averaging 21 points per game since returning from injury. However, I believe Banchero is a top 40 player in points leagues and has room for significant improvement. Don’t be fooled by his current struggles – this is an excellent time to acquire him at a discount.
Next up is Evan Mobley. The Cleveland Cavaliers big man is dealing with a calf strain, which has impacted his recent performance. His defensive stats and usage are down, but this presents a perfect buy-low scenario. Mobley is a third-round talent you might be able to snag for a fourth-round price. While there’s some injury risk, the potential reward outweighs it.
Don’t let these episodes pass you by — stay locked in with the latest Locked On Bucks podcasts.
Reviewing the Milwaukee Bucks at the Midpoint of the NBA Season Can the Milwaukee Bucks maintain their momentum in the NBA? With a midseason record of 24-17, the Bucks have rebounded from a rocky 2-8 start, showcasing their resilience and potential for a strong finish.
Identifying the Bucks Remaining Must-Win Games and What to Make of Jimmy Butler Rumors Can the Milwaukee Bucks secure a victory against the Toronto Raptors, or will they face unexpected challenges? As the Bucks navigate the NBA season, fans are eager to see how star players like Jimmy Butler might fit into the mix amid swirling trade rumors.
What makes the Milwaukee Bucks 122-93 victory over the Orlando Magic so important? This episode breaks down the Bucks’ impressive 29-point win, highlighting Damian Lillard’s standout performance and the dynamic chemistry between Giannis Antetokounmpo and Khris Middleton.
